Music has always been an important aspect of my life! I learned the violin at the  age of 5 and have been playing ever since. I learned violin through the Suzuki method and had the opportunity to attend Dr. Suzuki's music camp while living in Japan. I learned guitar on my own in high school and also took classes while studying music at Radford University. I love playing modern and classic songs on the violin and guitar.

I received a Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration in Music Therapy from Radford University in Virginia where I was the concert master of the Radford University Chamber Orchestra.  I was a member the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra where I especially enjoyed playing in our “pop music” concerts. I currently play the violin on stage with a variety of groups and enjoy giving private lessons.

 

My music therapy background enables my ability to relate with individuals of different abilities and age levels. I had the privilege of being the sole music therapist at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg Florida for 3 years. While in this position, I used music to help long term hospitalized children cope with their hospitalization through a number of music activities. These activities include conducting music groups for preschoolers, school age children and teens,l providing expressive interventions through music and teaching patients lessons on the violin, guitar, ukulele or keyboard.

 

I have also served as a  music therapist at St. Anthony's Hospital where I conducted individual and group music therapy sessions for hospitalized adults on all patient units and the rehabilitation unit. I also really enjoy the times of the year when I am a music therapist for Adam's Camp. This intensive, multi-disciplinary camp is for children diagnosed with developmental delays including but not limited to autism, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. The success stories that come from camp keep me smiling all year long!